The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is pleased to announce the availability of two funds that aim to foster cross-communal collaboration and innovation in the greater Ann Arbor Jewish community: the Community Engagement Fund (CEF) and the Zelma Weisfeld Fund for Culture & Education.
The Community Engagement Fund was originally established with money from Federation’s 2019 Annual Community Campaign, to encourage organizations and individuals to work collaboratively on new, innovative initiatives. Federation intends to continue adding to this fund on an annual basis. With a critical baseline amount amassed, Federation is now ready to begin rolling out the grant application process to the community.
There are very few stipulations for the type of programming the CEF can support. A volunteer committee of the Federation identified guiding principles for funding decisions as: cross-communal collaboration, creativity & innovation, joy & connectivity. Federation sees this fund as an opportunity to incentivize creation of programming and initiatives that focus on bringing the community together, rather than operating in differentiated “silos” that could otherwise compete with one another.
While the CEF is funded entirely by the Federation, the Zelma Weisfeld Fund for Culture & Education was established by the estate of Ms. Weisfeld specifically to support Jewish cultural or educational programming. Beyond the slightly more narrow focus, the goals of this fund echo those of the CEF, in its desire for collaboration and innovation.
“We’re delighted to be able to make these funds available to the community,” said Jewish Federation Executive Director Eileen Freed. “This is an excellent opportunity to encourage our local organizations and congregations to work together for the benefit of the community and to provide support for great ideas that add to our communal vibrancy.”
There will be two fund application opportunities each year for the CEF, and one for the Zelma Weisfeld Fund. The exact timing of the funding cycles will be determined in the coming months.
For both funds, grants of up to $5,000 will be available to individuals or organizations in the Jewish community. Applications must be submitted by a partnership of three or more collaborators. Preference will be given to new ideas and one-time programs, although on-going collaborative programs may also be considered.
Specifics about how and when to apply for these funds will be announced soon. For more information or to inquire, contact Eileen Freed, eileenfreed@jewishannarbor.org or 734-773-3537.